Laundry water extractor speed limit control and method

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for controlling the speed of an extractor measures an out of balance condition of the extractor and then sets the rotational speed to a preselected value. Higher out of balance values result in lower rotational speeds. Lower out of balance values result in higher rotational speeds. A preselected maximum rotational speed can be set on the controller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/042,436,filed Apr. 4, 2008, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

Various embodiments relate generally to a method a apparatus including arotatable cylinder or drum for extracting liquid out of liquid absorbentgoods received in the cylinder or drum during rotation at high speeds.

At the end of a wash cycle the liquid absorbent goods such as laundereditems or textiles, there is a water extraction step in which the wetgoods are rotated in a cylinder or drum about an axis to cause a portionof the water in the wet goods to be extracted by centrifugal force.

It is known by those skilled in the art that the degree or amount ofextraction of liquids from laundered items or textiles in rotatingextractors depends upon the amount of centrifugal force produced by highspeed rotation of a cylinder or drum which causes the ejection of thefluid from the items.

In some machines of these types, typically washers/extractors, thecylinders or drums rotates about its axis at relative slow speeds duringthe initial cycles of washing and at high speeds during a final cycle inorder to extract the liquid from the goods. The lower speeds range fromless than 20 to 65 revolutions per minute (rpms) while the high speedscan reach in excess of 1,000 rpms. Most machines are designed towithstand the unavoidable vibrations due to the high speed revolution ofthe cylinder or drum. During such high speeds, liquid absorbent goodsare plastered against the side of the rotating cylinder or drum.

Wet articles of laundered items or textiles, from their very nature aregenerally unevenly distributed originally (or subsequently becomeunevenly distributed during the extraction process) in the cylinder ordrum of the extractor. Uneven load distribution can be called an“unbalanced” or “out of balance” condition (e.g., the center of gravityof the rotating load and cylinder or drum is not located on therotational axis of the cylinder or drum). Accordingly, very rarely arethe goods evenly distributed about the cylinder or drum, and thisunequal distribution of weight will create an imbalance which ifexcessive can over time cause severe damage to the washer/extractor. Theamount of out of balance can be a measure of the geometric displacementof the center of gravity in the cylinder or drum, or the location ofliquid absorbent goods with the rotating mass or the oscillating forceoccurring on rotation as a result of the displacement of the center ofgravity.

One of the problems with extracting liquid from laundered items is thata wash load can often be unbalanced creating vibration. Insuring thatthe wash load is evenly distributed prior to extraction or spinning isnot always possible. Patents have issued that are directed to theproblem of vibration that is induced by rotation of an extractor orclothes washer, wherein an out of balance condition exists. Thefollowing table provides examples of such devices that have beenpatented.

TABLE PAT. NO. TITLE ISSUE DATE 5,930,855 Accelerometer for OptimizingSpeed of August 03, 1999 Clothes Washer 6,134,926 Accelerometer forOptimizing Speed of October 24, 2000 Clothes Washer 6,418,581 ControlSystem for Measuring Load July 16, 2002 Imbalance and Optimizing SpinSpeed in a Laundry Washing Machine 6,477,867 Laundry Appliance November12, 2002 6,510,715 Smart Balancing System January 28, 2003 6,564,592Control System for Measuring Load May 20, 2003 Imbalance and OptimizingSpin Speed in a Laundry Washing Machine Each of the above referencedpatents is incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to liquid extraction systems for laundered orotherwise cleaned articles where in the extraction of the washing,rinse, or other cleaning fluid from the articles is effected through thehigh speed oration of a cylinder or drum which is perforated orotherwise provided with means for fluid extraction from the cylinder ordrum. U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,660 is incorporated herein by reference.

One embodiment provides a method of controlling (e.g., limiting) theextract speed of a clothes washing extractor that employs anaccelerometer. When an extraction is to begin, the extractor increasesin speed over time. The accelerometer is then used to measure an out ofbalance condition of the extractor as the speed gradually increases.

One embodiment provides includes the step of adjusting the speed of theextractor corresponding to the amount of out of balance that can bemeasured by an vibration analysis means, such as an accelerometer.Further, in one embodiment the rotational speed of the extractor can belimited to a pre-selected rotational speed value corresponding to ameasured out of balance. Generally speaking, the measured out of balancewill be between about 0 out of balance and an out of balance that is amaximum allowable out of balance for a particular machine.

In one embodiment, an out of balance sensor (which can be anaccelerometer) generates an output voltage that is measured, the outputvoltage being a function of the amount of out of balance of the machine.This output voltage is transmitted to a controller that sets therotational speed of the machine based upon the measured out of balance.

During rotation an uneven weight or load distribution can produce severevibrations or unbalanced conditions in the cylinder or drum (and in theextractor) which can cause wear and tear on the components of theextractor, and premature failure. Such vibrations or unbalancedconditions can increase as the speed of rotation of the cylinder or drumincreases. In many cases an undesirable amount of vibrations orunbalanced conditions occur during the process of increasing therotational speed of the cylinder or drum, but before a desiredrotational speed is achieved.

In other cases, a desired rotational speed of the cylinder or drum isachieved, but subsequently an undesirable amount of vibrations orunbalanced conditions arise (these subsequently occurring undesirablevibrations of unbalanced conditions could be caused by shifting loads inthe extractor).

In other cases, a rotational speed (which had been previously limitedfrom being increased because of an already existing undesirable amountof vibrations or unbalanced conditions in the cylinder or drum) cansubsequently be increased because the previous undesirable amount ofvibrations or unbalanced conditions was reduced or lowered. In this caseof a subsequently reduced vibratory or unbalanced load condition, therotational speed of the cylinder or drum can be increased until reachingthe first of two conditions in the extractor: (a) reaching a desiredspeed of rotation, or (b) reaching a speed of rotation where again anundesirable amount of vibrations or unbalanced conditions occur.

One embodiment relates to the extraction speed of clothes washingextractors and more particularly to an improved speed limit controllerfor an extractor that removes water from laundered clothing and similarlaundered items. In one embodiment is provided an improved method andapparatus for speed control of an extractor wherein the speed of theextractor is automatically controlled corresponding to an amount of outof balance that is measured by a sensor that is mounted to theextractor. In one embodiment the sensor can be an accelerometer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram that illustrates a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram that illustrates a preferredembodiment;

FIG. 3 is another schematic diagram that illustrates a preferredembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the steps in a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a graph indicating change in the out of balance condition of apreferred embodiment over time.

FIG. 6 is a graph indicating change in rotational speed of theembodiment shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment a conventionally available machine extractor 10 isused. In one embodiment machine 10 is of more or less conventionalconstruction adapted for use as a flexibly supported extractor. Machine10 can include a stationary frame 12 and outer housing 13 yieldablymounted on frame 12. Support arms on the housing 13 can be mounted onresilient support means which are in turn suspended from plates on frame12. The exact location and size of plates relative to respective supportarms depends on the center of mass of outer housing 13, including allattachments thereto, inner cylinder or drum 22, the expected averagemass of goods and absorbed water that will be received in inner drum 22,and the resiliency of the respective support means. Although outerhousing 13 and inner cylinder or drum 22 are shown as beingcylindrically shaped, these structures could be of any other suitableshape.

Inner cylinder or drum 22 can be mounted within housing 13 for rotationabout its axis by means of a shaft at one end extending through abearing carried within opening in the end of housing 13. The cylinder ordrum 22 has an inlet opening in the end opposite of the end mounted onhousing 13, along with perforations about its circumference. The inletopening of cylinder or drum 22 sealingly and rotatably registers withopening 15 of housing 13 and is closed by a door 28 over opening 15.

A motor 33 (which can be a variable speed motor) can be operativelyconnected to cylinder or drum 22 and drive same at selected rotationalspeeds. In one embodiment goods are introduced into inner drum 22through opening 15 and inlet opening 23, and after door 28 is closed,the washing cycle begins by introducing liquid through a liquidinjection means (not shown) into outer housing 13 and rotating innerdrum 22. During the washing and rinsing cycles, the rotational speed ofinner drum 22 normally ranges from less than 20 to 65 revolutions perminute (rpms). During the wash and rinse cycles and prior to theextraction cycle, water is drained from outer housing 13 and inner drum22 through a drain (not shown). After the drain cycle, inner drum 22 isrotated at speeds which could exceed 1000 rpms to extract the remainingfluid from the goods, during which, as will be described and to follow,the speed of the inner cylinder or drum 22 can be continuouslycontrolled based on a measured out of balance condition.

In one embodiment, the means used for detecting and determining themagnitude and location of an out of balance condition can be a vibrationdetection device which is independent of a fixed reference. Onacceptable device is a solid state accelerometer 110, such as a modelnumber NAS-002G, manufactured by NovaSensor, located in Fremont, Calif.,can be mounted on outer housing 13 to sense acceleration along aparticular axis, and thus generate an electrical output that is a sinewave. The period of the sine wave is the time for the completion of onerevolution of rotating inner cylinder or drum 22. The magnitude of thepeak of the sine wave is proportional to the magnitude of an out ofbalance load of goods in rotating inner drum 22. Since accelerometer 110is “reference point independent,” it will not be damaged by theexcursion experienced by the flexibly supported outer housing 13.

In one embodiment, the accelerometer 110 can be mounted on door 28 onthe front of outer housing 13 because, in this system configuration, thefront end of outer housing 13 undergoes more movement relative to theback where more weight exists due to the motor 33 and all the otherdevices operating to rotate inner drum 22. Accelerometer 110 can beoriented to detect acceleration of outer housing 13 along the horizontalaxis across the front of the housing. However, it could be placedanywhere on outer housing 13 to measure acceleration along any axis.Additionally, it can be placed in various other places on machine 10.

The general operation of the method and apparatus 10 will be describedbelow.

Operation of Extractor

In one embodiment, the extractor 10 is turned on, and the rotationalspeed of the cylinder or drum 22 is incrementally increased (by “DELTAS”), and the cylinder or drum 22 is rotated at such increased rotationalspeed for a specified period of time “t”.

In one embodiment the incremental increase of the cylinder or drum 22(by “DELTA S”) is programmable by a user.

In one embodiment the incremental measurements are done in set periodsof time “t_(n)”. In one embodiment the set periods of time “t_(n)”remain constant throughout operation of the extractor. In one embodimentthe set period of time “t_(n)” is one of the following times in seconds:10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, 0.005, 0.001,0.0005, 0.0001, 0.00005, and 0.0001. In one embodiment the set period oftime “t_(n)” is a range between any one of above two specified times. Inone embodiment the set period of time “t_(n)” is programmable by theuser.

During this specified period of time “t_(n)” the out of balancecondition (or vibratory load) “OB_(n)” of the cylinder or drum 22 ismeasured using a vibration sensor (such as an accelerometer 110). Themeasured out of balance condition is compared to a specified range ofmaximum out of balance. If the measured out of balance “OB_(n)” is lowerthan the lowest point of the specified range for out of balance, thenthe speed is incrementally increased again.

Such steps of incrementally measuring and increasing the speed where theout of balance condition is less than the specified range are repeateduntil either the measured out of balance condition falls within thespecified range, or the measured out of balance falls above thespecified range.

Falls within the specified range. At a set period of time “t_(n)” theout of balance condition “OB_(n)” of the rotating cylinder or drum 22 ismeasured and compared to the specified range. If the measured out ofbalance “OB_(n)” falls within the specified range, then the speed is notchanged.

Falls above the specified range. At a set period of time “t_(n)” the outof balance condition of the rotating cylinder or drum 22 is measured andcompared to the specified range. If the measured out of balance “OB_(n)”is greater than the highest point of the specified range, then the speedis incrementally reduced.

Such steps of incrementally measuring and comparing the out of balancecondition “OB_(n)” to a specified range are repeated until therotational cycle of the extractor 10 is completed. If the measured outof balance condition “OB_(n)” is: (a) below the specified range, thespeed of the speed of the cylinder or drum 22 is increased; (b) withinthe specified range, the speed of the cylinder or drum 22 is maintained(until possibly the next comparison step; and (c) above the specifiedrange, the speed of the cylinder or drum 22 is decreased.

Maximum Rotational Speed

In one embodiment a limit on the maximum rotational speed is placed onthe cylinder or drum 22 notwithstanding the fact that the out of balancecondition “OB_(n)” (or measured vibratory load) of the cylinder or drumis less than a specified amount. In one embodiment the maximumrotational speed limit can be programmed by a user. In one embodimentthe maximum rotational speed limit can be a function of time (such ashaving a linear, parabolic function, step function, or other function).

In one embodiment the maximum rotational speed can be calculatedassuming that the cylinder or drum 22 is not out of balance, and lookingat other factors (beyond an out of balance condition of cylinder or drum22) which may cause damage to the machine or extractor, or components ofsame. In one embodiment the maximum rotational speed in revolutions perminute can be about 1000, 950, 900, 850, 800, 750, 700, 650, 600, 550,500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, and 100. In various embodimentsthe maximum rotational speed can be a range between about any two of theabove specified rotational speeds.

In one embodiment the speed of a cylinder or drum is limited to apercentage of a maximum rotational speed when the out of balancecondition of the cylinder or drum 22 reaches a specified condition. Invarious embodiments the maximum speed is provided in the immediatelypreceding paragraph. In one embodiment the percentage is about 99, 98,97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 91, 90, 89, 88, 87, 86, 85, 84, 83, 82, 81, 80,79, 78, 77, 76, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, and 40. In variousembodiments the percentage can be a range between about any two of theabove specified percentages.

Minimum Operating Rotational Speed

In one embodiment a warning is given if the controlled rotational speedof the cylinder or drum 22 drops or falls below a specified minimumoperating rotational speed. In one embodiment the minimum operatingrotational speed can be programmed by a user. In one embodiment theminimum operating rotational speed can be a function of time (such ashaving a linear, parabolic function, step function, or other function).

In one embodiment the cylinder or drum 22 is stopped when the operatingrotational speed falls below the minimum operating rotational speed. Inone embodiment the cylinder or drum 22 is stopped when the operatingrotational speed falls below the minimum operating rotational speed fora specified period of time “t_(min)”. In one embodiment the cylinder ordrum 22 is stopped when the operating rotational speed falls below theminimum operating rotational speed for a specified number of times (orevents). In one embodiment the specified period of time “t_(min)” can beprogrammed or set by the user. In one embodiment the user of providedthe opportunity of overriding the shut off of the cylinder or drum 22.

Alternative Embodiment Increasing Speed To Target Speed

In one embodiment, the extractor 10 is turned on, and the rotationalspeed of the cylinder or drum 22 is increased to a specified speed.During rotation of the cylinder or drum 22, during specified period oftimes “t_(n)”, the out of balance condition “OB_(n)” (or vibratory load)of the cylinder or drum is measured using a vibratory measuring device100 (such as an accelerometer 110). The measured out of balancecondition “OB_(n)” is compared to a specified range of maximum out ofbalance. If the measured out of balance “OB_(n)” is greater than thehighest point of the specified range for out of balance, then the speedis incrementally reduced. After this first incremental reduction ofspeed, the above described steps at set periods of time measuring theout of balance condition “OB_(n)”, comparing such out of balancecondition “OB_(n)” to an acceptable range of out of balance, and eitherdecreasing the speed (out of balance greater than specified range),maintaining speed (out of balance within acceptable range), orincreasing the speed (out of balance less than the acceptable range) inthe other embodiments can be followed.

Specified Range for Out of Balance

In one embodiment the maximum speed for the out of balance of drum orcylinder 22 can be a percentage of the design rated capacity of themachine. In one embodiment the maximum out of balance can be 20 percentof the design capacity of the machine.

An example of calculating the design capacity for being out of balancefollows. The volume in cubic units for cylinder or drum can becalculated using the formula Πr²d where “r” is the radius of cylinder ordrum 22 and “d” is the depth of cylinder or drum 22. In one embodimentthe design rated capacity of a machine (in inch*pounds) can becalculated using the formula of volume of cylinder or drum 22 (in cubicfeet) multiplied by the factor 4.75 pounds/cubic feet. In one examplemodel extractor (model number 4226V6J) drum or cylinder 22 has a volume20.8 cubic feet which provides (20.8 times 4.75) a 98.8 pounds in designrated capacity of the machine. 20 percent of 98.8 provides a 19.76pounds out of balance figure.

In various embodiments the maximum out of balance in percentage ofdesign capacity of the machine can be about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,35, 40, 45, and 50. In various embodiments an allowable range of out ofbalance (upper and lower numbers) can be between any two of the abovespecified percentages.

In one embodiment the acceptable specified range of out of balance is apoint of out of balance “OB_(point)”. In this instance where the rangeis a point it is expected that the rotational speed will be corrected(increased/decreased) most if not every time a comparison is madebecause it is unlikely that the exact amount of out of balance asspecified as the point of out of balance will be measured most of thetime.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart 1000 of the steps in a preferred embodiment. Instep 1010 the method is initiated. In step 1020 the rotational speed Scan be increased. In step 1030 a comparison between a measured out ofbalance condition of machine 10 (such as through use of controlapparatus 100).

If the measured out of balance condition is less than a specifiedamount, the rotational speed can be incrementally increased (byproceeding to step 1020), and then proceeding again to stop 1030.

If the measured out of balance condition is greater than a specifiedamount, the rotational speed can be incrementally decreased (byproceeding to step 1100), and then proceeding again to stop 1030.

If the measured out of balance condition is within a specified amount,the rotational speed can be maintained (by proceeding to step 1040) fora set period of time, and then proceeding again to stop 1030.

The above three choices of steps (1020, 1100, or 1040) can be continueduntil the end of the extraction process which is step 1050.

FIG. 5 is a graph indicating change in the out of balance condition of apreferred embodiment over time. The X-axis indicates time. The Y-axisindicates the out of balance condition of extractor machine 10. There isshown a range of allowable out of balance condition (the range beingindicated by 220)—with an upper limit 200 and a lower limit 210 (and thedifference between upper and lower limits being indicated by arrows220). This range of out of balance condition can be used in the methodschematically shown be flowchart 1000 for the decision points onincreasing, decreasing, and/or maintaining constant the rotational speedof cylinder or drum 22.

FIG. 6 is a graph indicating change in rotational speed of theembodiment shown in FIG. 5. The X-axis indicates time. The Y-axisindicates rotational speed of extractor machine 10. There is shown amaximum rotational speed 400, along with a lower rotational speed 410wherein a warning can be issued and/or cylinder or drum 22 stopped. Thespeed points 500-590 correspond in time to the out of balance measuringpoints 300-390.

Point 300 shows the out of balance condition entering the acceptablerange 220 of out of balance. Before this time the out of balance wasbelow the lowest point in the range 210. Before this point the speed Swas increasing (from time) to time at point 300/500. After time at point300 speed S of cylinder or drum 22 is maintained at a constant speed(neither increased nor decreased) because the out of balance conditionis within the acceptable range (steps 1030/1040 of flow chart 1000).

Operations within an acceptable range of out of balance occurs until thetime at 310 where the out of balance condition moves out of theacceptable range (goes above upper level 220). After out of balance 310is seen, the speed of cylinder or drum 22 is reduced in an effort toreduce the measured out of balance to within the acceptable range 220(steps 1030/1020 of flowchart 1000). This occurs at point 320 which hasa speed of 520. After time at point 320 speed S of cylinder or drum 22is maintained at a constant speed (neither increased nor decreased)because the out of balance condition is within the acceptable range(steps 1030/1040 of flow chart 1000).

Operations within an acceptable range of out of balance occurs from time320 to time 330 where the out of balance condition moves out of theacceptable range (goes below lower level 210). After out of balance 330is seen, the speed of cylinder or drum 22 is increased in an effort toallow operation of extractor 10 at a higher (and more efficient speed)until the measured out of balance to within the acceptable range 220(steps 1030/1100 of flowchart 1000). This occurs at point 340 which hasa speed of 540. After time at point 340 speed S of cylinder or drum 22is maintained at a constant speed (neither increased nor decreased)because the out of balance condition is within the acceptable range(steps 1030/1040 of flow chart 1000).

Operations within an acceptable range of out of balance occurs until thetime at 350 where the out of balance condition moves out of theacceptable range (goes above upper level 220). After out of balance 350is seen, the speed of cylinder or drum 22 is reduced in an effort toreduce the measured out of balance to within the acceptable range 220(steps 1030/1020 of flowchart 1000). This occurs at point 370 which hasa speed of 570. After time at point 370 speed S of cylinder or drum 22is maintained at a constant speed (neither increased nor decreased)because the out of balance condition is within the acceptable range(steps 1030/1040 of flow chart 1000).

Operations within an acceptable range of out of balance occurs from time370 to time 380 where the out of balance condition moves out of theacceptable range (goes below lower level 210). After out of balance 380is seen, the speed of cylinder or drum 22 is increased in an effort toallow operation of extractor 10 at a higher (and more efficient speed)until the measured out of balance to within the acceptable range 220(steps 1030/1100 of flowchart 1000). This occurs at point 390 which hasa speed of 590. After time at point 390 speed S of cylinder or drum 22is maintained at a constant speed (neither increased nor decreased)because the out of balance condition is within the acceptable range(steps 1030/1040 of flow chart 1000).

After time at point 390, the speed of cylinder or drum is maintained atthe constant speed 590 because the out of balance condition does notmove outside of the acceptable range. This continues (e.g., time 391,etc.) until the end of the extraction process which is step 1050.

Example Embodiment

One example embodiment in FIGS. 1 through 3, which are schematic views.Extractor 10 speed limit control apparatus 100 includes an accelerometer110 that is mounted to an outer housing 13 (or frame 12 or elsewhere) ordirectly to an extractor 15 that is supported upon machine frame 12.

The extractor 10 is driven to achieve a selected rotational speed (RPM)with a corresponding extracting force, multiple times gravitationalforce, such as 250 g's. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the accelerometer 110generates a voltage valve (see chart at 116) that corresponds to an outof balance condition of the extractor 10, its cylinder or drum 22, outerhousing 13, and/or its frame 12. A lower voltage (e.g. 2.60 VDC)indicates a lesser out of balance value, such as near zero. A highervoltage valve (e.g. 3.35 VDC) indicates a higher out of balance value(e.g. 20 percent out of balance).

The signal generated by the accelerometer 12 is transmitted toaccelerometer board or connector board 113. The board 113 has softwarethat enables threshold values to be set for each signal voltage valuegenerated by the accelerometer (see chart 116). For example, a voltageof 2.90 VDC might equate to a 20 percent out of balance and the board113 is programmed to have a corresponding threshold value of 215 g's(e.g., 215 times normal gravity acceleration). If the accelerometer 110generates a voltage value that is higher than 2.90 VDC, the converterboa1rd 13 reads that signal and sends an output to a machine controller.The machine controller then tells the inverter 114 which rotates(drives) the extractor to stop accelerating.

In FIG. 2 arrow 116 schematically indicates application of the belowreferenced table of Threshold Voltages applying to accelerometer 100. Inthis table the speed limit threshold inputs are to limit speed inextract when the machine is out of balance. Jumpers can be added at thefactor to adjust for variations in accelerometers.

THRESHOLD VOLTAGES (VOLTS DC) JUMPERS INSTALLED 2.60 NONE 2.65 J1 2.70J2 2.75 J1 + J2 2.80 J3 2.85 J1 + J3 2.90 J2 + J3 2.95 J1 + J2 + J3 3.00J4 3.05 J1 + J4 3.10 J2 + J4 3.15 J1 + J2 + J4 3.20 J3 + J4 3.25 J1 +J3 + J4 3.30 J2 + J3 + J4 3.35 J1 + J2 + J4 + J4

Components 120 and 125 schematically indicate steps in the applicationof inverters. For 120 if F7 inverter. For 125 If GPD315 inverter.Component(s) 130 close(s) when inverter is above a set speed. Component140 closes when balance board on accelerometer is not OK. Component 145closes when balance limit is exceeded. Component 150 closes whenprocessor desires to limit extractor speed.

The following is a list of reference numerals used in the application.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

Reference Number Description 10 machine 12 frame 13 housing 22 cylinderor drum 23 inlet opening 28 door 33 motor 100 extractor speed limitcontrol apparatus 110 accelerometer 113 converter board 114 inverter 116chart 120 component 125 component 130 component 140 component 145component 150 component 200 upper value of range of out of balance 210lower value of range of out of balance 220 amount of range of out ofbalance 300 measurement of out of balance 310 measurement of out ofbalance 320 measurement of out of balance 330 measurement of out ofbalance 340 measurement of out of balance 350 measurement of out ofbalance 360 measurement of out of balance 370 measurement of out ofbalance 380 measurement of out of balance 390 measurement of out ofbalance 400 upper limit on rotational speed 410 rotational speed forwarning and/or shutoff 500 speed 510 speed 520 speed 530 speed 540 speed550 speed 560 speed 570 speed 580 speed 590 speed 1000 diagram of method1010 step 1020 step 1030 step 1040 step 1050 step 1100 step

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

The foregoing embodiments are presented byway of example only; the scopeof the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

1. A method of limiting the extract speed of a clothes washingextractor, comprising the steps of: (a) mounting an accelerometer on theextractor; (b) increasing the speed of the extractor over time; (c)using the accelerometer to measure an out of balance condition of theextractor; (d) adjusting the speed of the extractor corresponding to theamount of out of balance that is measured by the accelerometer in step“c”; (e) wherein the rotational speed of the extractor is limited to apreselected value corresponding to a measured out of balance.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the accelerometer generates an output voltagethat is measured, said output voltage being a function of the amount ofout of balance of step “c”.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein in step“d” a plurality of different speed limit threshold inputs correspond todifferent measured out of balance conditions of step “c”.
 4. The methodof claim 1, wherein the accelerometer measures out of balance conditionsof between about 60 and 80 percent of a rated capacity of the extractor.5. The method of claim 1, wherein the speed limit threshold input variesbetween about 800 and 1,000 revolutions per minute.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the speed of the extractor is not limited when theaccelerometer measures little or no out of balance.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the speed of the extractor is limited to no more thanabout 80 percent of maximum speed when the accelerometer measures apredetermined maximum allowable out of balance.
 8. The method of claim1, wherein in step “d” a first controller receives input from theaccelerometer and signals a second controller to control the speed ofthe extractor.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the extractor includesa frame and step “a” included mounting the accelerometer on the frame.10. The method of claim 1, wherein the controller continuously comparesthe out of balance value generated by the accelerometer with therotational speed of the rotary extractor.
 11. A laundry water extractorspeed limit control, comprising: a) a machine frame that includes arotary extractor; b) an accelerometer mounted to the machine frame; c) acontroller that receives input from the accelerometer, said inputindicating an out of balance value for the rotary extractor; d) whereinthe controller varies the rotational speed of the rotary extractor withvarying input from the accelerometer, the rotational speed being greaterfor a lower out of balance value and the rotational speed being lowerfor a greater out of balance value.
 12. The laundry water extractorspeed limit control of claim 11, wherein the accelerometer generatesinput on the form of varying voltages corresponding to varying out ofbalance values.
 13. The laundry water extractor speed limit control ofclaim 11, wherein the accelerometer continuously monitors out of balancevalues.
 14. The laundry water extractor speed limit control of claim 11,wherein the controller enables a continuous comparison of the out ofbalance value generated by the accelerometer versus the rotational speedof the rotary extractor.
 15. The laundry water extractor speed limitcontrol of claim 14, wherein the controller prevents acceleration of therotary extractor when a preset rotational speed is reached for a givenout of balance value.
 16. The laundry water extractor speed limitcontrol of claim 11, wherein the extractor is driven by an inverter, andthe controller includes a processor that senses when the accelerometerexceeds a preset threshold value for out of balance.
 17. The laundrywater extractor speed limit control of claim 16, wherein the processoris in communication with the inverter so that it is able to signal theinverter to limit rotational speed of the extractor when theaccelerometer exceeds a preset threshold value for out of balance. 18.The laundry water extractor speed limit control of claim 11, wherein theinput from the accelerometer is voltage and the voltage input generatedby the accelerometer communicates to the controller which then controlsthe speed of the rotary extractor.
 19. The laundry water extractor speedlimit control of claim 11, wherein for a given out of balance of therotary extractor, the voltage generated by the accelerometer is a valuethat is in between about 2.60 and 3.35 VDC.
 20. The laundry waterextractor speed limit control of claim 11, wherein during at least sometime interval that the rotary extractor rotates, the voltage generatedby the accelerometer is a value that is in between about 2.60 and 3.35VDC.
 21. A clothes washing extractor system comprising: (a) an cabinet;(b) a drum rotationally mounted to the cabinet; (c) a motor operativeconnected to the drum, the motor capable of rotating the drum at aplurality of different speeds; (d) a vibration sensor for measuring apredetermined out of balance condition of the extractor; (e) acontroller operatively connected to both the vibration sensor and themotor, the controller continuously adjusting the rotational speed of themotor until the vibration sensor indicates that an the out of balancecondition detected by the vibration sensor is in an acceptable range ofout of balance.
 22. The clothes washing extractor of claim 21, whereinthe vibration sensor comprises an accelerometer.
 23. A method ofcontrolling the extract speed of a clothes washing extractor, comprisingthe steps of: (a) mounting a vibration sensor on the extractor; (b)increasing the speed of the extractor over time; (c) using the vibrationsensor to measure an out of balance condition of the extractor; (d)adjusting the speed of the extractor corresponding to the amount of outof balance that is measured by the accelerometer in step “c”; (e)wherein the rotational speed of the extractor is limited to apreselected value corresponding to a measured out of balance.
 24. Themethod of claim 23, wherein in step “d” the speed of the extractor isincreased for a first period of time, decreased for a second period oftime, increased for a third period of time, and remains constant for afourth period of time, the first, second, third, and fourth periods oftime occurring in the order as numbered.
 25. The method of claim 23,wherein in step “a” the vibration sensor comprises an accelerometer.